The significance of migrant Fulani and human trypanosomiasis in Kainji Lake area of Nigeria.

The transhumance-route followed by the Fulani around Lake Kainji area of Nigeria is presented. Between January and February 1977 130 Fulanis were interviewed at different locations. Most respondents were between 20-60 years of age. In addition to cattle rearing, farming is practised among the Fulanis interviewed at Kaiama and Olli. Those interviewed at Faku practised pastoral transhumance. Less than 15% of the respondents had previous knowledge of human sleeping sickness. Although examination of blood films (thin and thick) did not reveal any blood trypanosome, the transhumance pastoral mobility will be an important factor in any outbreak of human trypanosomiasis around Kainji Lake area in future.